Is glass skin achievable or just a trend?

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve likely come across the term glass skin. This highly coveted look has been trending all year and it’s easy to see why...! It promises a smooth, poreless and luminous complexion that seems too good to be true.

But is it? Let’s explore what glass skin really means, how achievable it is, and whether you need to jump on the 10-step skincare bandwagon to get glowing.

What Is Glass Skin?

Glass skin is a concept rooted in South Korean skincare, where skincare rituals are not just acts of self-care but part of a broader cultural practice. The goal of glass skin is to create a flawless, almost reflective complexion—free of blemishes, wrinkles, and imperfections—with intense hydration at its core.

While traditional Korean skincare routines often involve multiple steps, social media has amplified this into elaborate rituals with 10 or more products, including cleansers, toners, essences, serums, moisturisers and oils. The idea? Layering these products will help you achieve a complexion so smooth and dewy it looks like glass.

But does this effort pay off, and is it realistic for most of us? Let’s unpack this trend.

The Positives of the Glass Skin Trend

There’s no denying that the glass skin trend has brought attention to some great skincare practices. Here’s what we can appreciate about it:

• Skincare First, Makeup Second: Prioritising skin health over makeup is always a win.
• Active Ingredients: The trend highlights scientifically-proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C.
• SPF Awareness: A strong emphasis on daily sunscreen use is one of the best takeaways.

However, while this trend has many admirable qualities, there are some significant drawbacks too.

The Problems with the Glass Skin Trend

Unrealistic Beauty Standards
As an aesthetician, I’ve conducted thousands of facials, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen true “glass skin” in real life. That’s because skin is a living, breathing organ that changes with your hormones, mood, sleep and the weather. It’s impossible for it to resemble an inanimate object like glass.

Much of what we see online - those flawless, glowing skin photos - are highly edited or filtered. Often, the reflective appearance comes from layers upon layers of product, creating a light-bouncing illusion. This sets unattainable standards that can make people feel inadequate about their perfectly normal skin.

Overloading Your Skin
Another issue with this trend is product overload. Just like overwatering a houseplant can harm it, over-layering products can overwhelm your skin.

Your skin can only absorb so much, so piling on products wastes time, money, and resources. Worse, mixing the wrong ingredients can lead to irritation, rashes, or breakouts.

The Smarter Alternative: Balance Over Perfection

Instead of chasing glass-like perfection, focus on achieving balanced, healthy skin. This is the philosophy behind The 5 Minute Kit—a simple, effective 5-step routine that promotes skin health without overwhelming it.

When your skin is balanced, it won’t swing too dry or too oily. This naturally minimises breakouts, wrinkles and irritation, giving you radiant, clear, and bouncy skin with minimal effort.

Why Realistic Skincare Goals Matter

While the glass skin trend has done wonders for raising awareness about skincare, it’s essential to approach it with realistic expectations. Perfect, airbrushed skin doesn’t exist—but healthy, glowing skin absolutely does.

So, rather than spending hours and a fortune on elaborate routines, focus on consistency, balance, and quality over quantity. Trust me, your skin (and purse) will thank you ✨